Chef in the running for fundraising event

A CHEF is hoping to serve up a good deal of cash for a children's hospital when he takes on a running challenge in Worcester.

Maxwell Brant is gearing up for the Worcester 10K challenge, which is expected to see thousands of people flock to the city's racecourse in September.

The run, which is being backed by athletics legend Steve Cram, is part of the Worcester City Races which also features a 'run, bike, run' challenge.

But for Mr Brant, who is a chef at the Kings Head in Sidbury, Worcester, the day will be a special one for a couple of reasons.

"I have been doing some fundraisers for Birmingham Children's Hospital over the past few years," he said.

"I wanted to do 100 miles of competitive running in different events this year.

"I'm up to about 50 miles so far and have a few others planned, but this one should take me to the 100 miles."

He has already completed half marathons and 10k runs, including the Stourbridge Stagger, a multi-terrain event.

"The Worcester 10k is quite a nice way to finish really," he said.

"It goes past the Kings Head.

"I think it's a nice course. There are not a lot that go straight through a city centre. It's also my 29th birthday on the day, September 21."

The route takes runners across Worcester Racecourse, along the river path to Diglis, before crossing back up Deansway, past the cathedral and up The Shambles.

Mr Brant, who recently moved from Worcester to Malvern, said he will be taking part in the event to raise funds for Birmingham Children's Hospital.

"Some friends of mine had a young boy who was in there for about a year. He was very poorly and needed to have a lot of chemotherapy.

"Thankfully, he's fit and well now but I just wanted to carry it (the fundraising) on really. They do great work up there."

He's confident a current injury, Patellar tendinitis (pain in the knee common with people playing jumping sorts such as basketball), won't stop him competing.

"I'm in physio at the moment but it will be fine," he said.

"I'm not 100 per cent sure how it happened but it was probably because of the running, although I do work on my feet so it could have been something I've aggravated."

Mr Brant says he would like to do a full marathon one day.

As reported by your Worcester News, athletics legend Steve Cram is spearheading the Worcester City Races, comprising a 10 kilometre run and a 'Run, Bike, Run' challenge. It is the first of its kind in the country.

Both races take place on Sunday, September 21, beginning and ending at Worcester Racecourse.

It is hoped the Worcester event will raise thousands of pounds for charities locally and around the UK. Cram’s own children’s charity, COCO (Comrades of Children Overseas), represents the official charity partner.

Anyone wishing to enter any of the races can do so by visiting worcestercityrun.com

Entrants can also gain training tips to help with preparation by visiting Facebook.com/worcestercityrun or following @Worcesterrun on Twitter.